I have spent my entire career in the book industry, starting as a bookseller and then moving on to book marketing, publishing, and now writing. It’s no surprise that literature has heavily influenced my book Real Dorset. Dorset has been a frequent source of inspiration for writers, with Thomas Hardy being the most notable. Hardy’s idea of Wessex, an ancient kingdom brought back to life, permeates Dorset. His presence can be felt everywhere, from museums and bookshops to blue plaques. Many towns have even been used as settings for adaptations of Hardy’s works. Interestingly, Hardy’s heart is buried just east of Dorchester in Stinsford.
However, there are numerous other writers to explore, each with their own unique visions. One can begin a literary tour of Dorset in the north-east, in Cranborne Chase. This beautiful chalkland, which borders Hampshire and Wiltshire, is now designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is marked by ancient earthworks and its history as a hunting forest. WH Hudson, the author of A Shepherd’s Life, chose a house in Martin, Hampshire to write his book. He described the downlands and wildlife of Cranborne Chase, as well as the rural people he encountered during his travels. Hudson hoped that by capturing these experiences on paper, he could lay to rest the ghosts of his imagination.
Another noteworthy writer associated with Dorset is William Barnes. Although neglected for some time, Barnes gained recognition when musician PJ Harvey used his dialect in her recent verse novel, Orlam. Barnes was a schoolmaster, clergyman, and dialect poet who became the voice of Dorset’s locals, including carters, cowmen, mowers, and harvesters. His poems were set to music by Vaughan Williams and praised by WH Auden. Douglas Adams, the author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, also found inspiration in Dorset. He drew from his experience of witnessing a cottage being demolished in his hometown of Stalbridge.
Moving towards the west of Dorset, we come across the Marshwood Vale, which is overseen by Saint Wite from her shrine at Whitchurch Canonicorum. This area is said to be the setting for Geoffrey Household’s spy thriller, Rogue Male. However, the location has been disguised by writers such as Robert Macfarlane, Dan Richards, and Stanley Donwood. Additionally, the broadcaster Kenneth Allsop settled in West Milton and wrote about his life here, offering a passionate defense of nature and conservation.
Clouds Hill, near Bovington Camp, is a notable place to visit in Dorset’s west. This is the house where TE Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, made his final home before his tragic death in a motorcycle accident. The house is now under the care of the National Trust and exudes Lawrence’s spirit. Another literary hotspot in Dorset is the village of Chaldon Herring, which attracted a countercultural literary set, including the Powys family and Sylvia Townsend Warner. Warner and her partner, Valentine Ackland, are buried in Chaldon Herring.
In the east of Dorset, we find the lively conurbation of Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch. Bournemouth is the final resting place of Mary Shelley, as well as the heart of her husband, Percy Shelley. Frederick Rolfe, also known as Baron Corvo, briefly resided in Christchurch in the late 19th century. He was known for his novel Hadrian the Seventh and was originally believed to have created frescoes in the Catholic church using photographic techniques. However, it has since been discovered that this was not his work.
As one travels back towards Poole, Canford School is a short walk away from the historic town of Wimborne Minster.